Rules

Shoot with purpose. Compete with honor.

Bow classes

Understanding the different bow styles is essential, as it will help you register in the appropriate category and ensure everything is in order.

Historic bows made of natural materials

Bow must be made from natural materials, such as wood, horn, bone, sinew, natural polish, or bamboo.
Bow window with arrow shelf for arrow support is not allowed. Arrow must lay on archer's hand in full-draw. Single layer of leather is allowed on the bow grip.
Drawing finger must touch the arrow.
Finger tab, glove, thumb ring and finger protection is allowed.
Only wooden arrows with natural feathers are allowed. Only regular target points that cause no damage to targets are allowed.
Only carved, hollowed, or natural-material nocks (e.g., horn or bone) are allowed.
Plastic nocks are not allowed.
Manufacturers or bowyers’ certificate is welcomed and recommended.

Historic bows made of modern materials

Bow can be made from modern materials, including adhesives, carbon or fiberglass.
Bow window with arrow shelf for arrow support is not allowed. Arrow must lay on archer's hand in full-draw. Single layer of leather is allowed on the bow grip.
Drawing finger must touch the arrow.
Finger tab, glove, thumb ring and finger protection is allowed.
Only wooden arrows with natural feathers are allowed. Only regular target points that cause no damage to targets are allowed.
Plastic nocks are allowed.

Hunting bows

Any type of recurve bow, longbow or self-bow with a bow window, arrow shelf and a wooden handle is allowed.
Bow can be one-piece or takedown style.
ILF (International Limb Fit) bows are not allowed.
String dampers are allowed.
Finger tab, glove, thumb ring and finger protection is allowed.
Bow can have a window and an arrow shelf, with various supporting materials for the arrow (e.g., fur or leather).
Only wooden arrows with natural feathers are allowed. Only regular target points that cause no damage to targets are allowed.
Plastic nocks are allowed.

Scoring

Different types of targets impact scoring, so it’s important to understand them.

Historic targets

These include uniquely designed targets of various sizes and distances, as well as swinging and moving targets. They demand competitors adapt to different shooting positions. Specific instructions are provided for each target before shooting.

3D targets

These feature marked scoring zones and are placed in varied terrain, simulating a hunting scenario.

Each position is marked with a sequential number and instructions for shooting and scoring.
Participants shoot one arrow per target, or multiple arrows at different targets, from various distances.

Attire

Historic attire honors the spirit of the medieval tradition

Historic clothing

Wearing historic is about stepping into the past and embracing the spirit of medieval archery and adds to the atmosphere and experience for all competitors and spectators alike. Participants must wear clothing from the Middle Ages or earlier periods that represent national-folklore historical styles, reflecting the spirit of the Middle Ages or prior eras (e.g., peasant, noble, or aristocratic attire). Clothing or accessories that are unmistakably modern (e.g., sunglasses, jeans, sneakers, printed T-shirts, tracksuits, watches, etc.) are prohibited.